After getting swept by the Tigers and White Sox, the Nats try to rebound against the Royals.

No one expected Livan Hernandez to carry a sub-2.00 ERA through the entire season, so the fact the veteran right-hander has come back to earth over the last few weeks is hardly a surprise.

That said, Hernandez's last outing for the Nationals — he was tagged by the Tigers for eight runs while issuing six walks — was way out of character. He hadn't allowed more than four runs in any of his previous 12 starts this season, and he hadn't walked that many batters in three years.

Livo has always been known for the occasional meltdown on the mound, and he's also always been known for bouncing back from those rough outings and getting back on track. Thus, the expectation tonight is that he will put together a strong performance against the Royals.

The Nats had better hope Hernandez does come through. They need a well-pitched game in the worst way. They also need an offensive outburst in the worst way. Put the two of those together, and they just might manage to snap a season-wost, six-game losing streak.

Thank you Rizzo….finally he stepped in a pulled the foot out of Riggs mouth. Just like last year, Rizzo should replace anyone who is not pulling his weight on the roster. His moves made the team play hard last year. This year it will sharpen the focus and give them a sense of urgency. Really needed by Dunn and Zimm at this point.Next I expect to see Willie Harris DFA and Roger B in CF more often. Morris is in RF because Rizzo told Riggs what to do. Rizzo is going to regret the Riggs pick for this year if he is not already.

We better hope our OFer's can overcome the treacherous footing the grass may provide for tonights game. Is that overlapping squares I see rolled into the outfield? If we can overcome this pattern, maybe we can expect a curly W pattern in the near future?I sure do miss that W, in the grass and on the scoreboard.

And where's this info on Lannan coming from?Ben Goessling reported it first including the rationale for picking Harrisburg over Syracuse.Hopefully Ben will do a Rizzo segment on MR's MASN National Matter's blog and plumb Mike's reasoning at this juncture of the season.

Why does Morgan continue to get the green light?For that matter, why is he such a bad base stealer? He certainly has the speed! Where is Tim Raines when you need him? There was a man who knew how to steal.

Hey, I remember Jose Guillen. I have his bobblehead. I'm pretty sure that he never played another game for the Nats after the day they handed it out.But now? He's been gone so long, so boo him or cheer him? Meh. Who does he think he is, Manny Ramirez?

If Guz could continue to WALK and hit a home run or double once in a while? He would be Josh Willingham before the recent slump with a .400+ OBP? Perfect #2 hitter? But will he do it tomorrow night? Will his left-handed hitting improve to match his right-handed hitting? How about his rather poor fielding?

Hey all . . . I couldn't get to a tv, listened to the game on the radio — looking at MLB clips there were some really nice defensive plays (Livo was a bit lucky perhaps).If you haven't seen them, check 'em out:a) Pudge throwing out three guysb) on one of them, Ian doing a great job of blocking the bagc) Zimm great play at 3rd, stopping a potential double with two on; andd) Nyjer speeding back to the warning track on just the same plays that he missed 2 weeks back

Zimmerman another hitless game . . .Three walks, 1 K. If you guys are going to rag on Guzman for having an empty OBP because he never takes a walk, you can't rag on Zim for getting no hits on a night when his OBP was .750. One or the other. You can't have it both ways.

@Anon 11:05 — I agree with Anon 11:00 — nobody said Guz is a great fielder, but he doesn't deserve half the grief he gets here. He's tied for 6th on the team in Slugging (with Desmond — while Guz's OBP is 37 points better(!), and striking out fewer times — and while we're at it, Desmond has more GIDP's than Guz, despite fewer at bats). So, yeah, Desmond is a better fielder, but Guzzy's done better than most on the Nats are far as helping to produce runs. (Counting those over 100AB, Pudge is the only one with a higher BA)Some guys can do no wrong (like Zimm striking out five straight times recently — did anyone complain?). But if Guz gets a game winner, it's dumb luck, and who care, let's see if he can do it tomorrow.

Time to step up to the Mike, Rizzo. Now that you have summoned the courage to tell Riggleman that you're gonna send Lannan down, you may be on a roll! Tell Uncle Jimmy to play Morse in RF, with Bernie in CF. C'mon Frankie, be a big boy and tell him. Remember Frankie, you're the boss. NatsNation is totally right on this; Riggleman is dead wrooooooooooooong!